Maximizing CME Value: Accredited vs Commercial Courses
With demanding clinical schedules and growing professional obligations, selecting the right continuing medical education (CME) can feel overwhelming. Physicians are often faced with a wide range of options, including accredited CME activities, non-accredited education, commercial programs, and industry-developed courses. Understanding the differences between these options is essential for making informed decisions that balance compliance, educational quality, cost, and professional value.
This guide provides a practical framework for evaluating and selecting CME so you can develop an annual education plan that supports both required credits and meaningful professional growth.
What Is Accredited CME (and Why Does It Matter)?
Accredited CME refers to educational activities by accredited organizations that meet standards established by recognized accrediting bodies, such as the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), and that offer credit through systems such as the American Medical Association Physician’s Recognition Award (AMA PRA). These activities are developed to be evidence-based, balanced, and designed to improve physician knowledge, competence, and patient care.
Accredited CME credits can be used to fulfill many state licensure requirements, hospital credentialing criteria, and eligible board-specific Maintenance of Certification (MOC) or Continuing Certification (CC) requirements, depending on the activity and the policies of the relevant licensing or certifying body. Accredited CME is available in multiple formats, including live conferences, online courses, journal-based learning, enduring materials, and quality improvement activities.
Understanding Commercial and Non-Accredited Courses
Non-accredited educational activities are those that are not reviewed against formal accreditation standards such as those established by the ACCME. These may include independent online programs, industry-developed education, skills bootcamps, procedural workshops, or training offered by private organizations.
While these activities may not offer AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™, they can still provide meaningful educational value. Non-accredited courses may offer in-depth instruction on specific procedures, emerging technologies, leadership skills, or practice management topics that are not always available through accredited CME. Some activities may have a narrower focus or be closely aligned with a specific product, method, or technology, which is important to consider when evaluating their objectivity, relevance and any commercial bias. The absence of AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™ may reflect the educational format, intended purpose, or the provider’s decision not to pursue accreditation, rather than the quality of the content itself.
These courses are best viewed as a complement to accredited CME, particularly when targeting specific skill development or hands-on experience.
Evaluating Educational Quality in Any Course
Regardless of accreditation status, high-quality educational activities should support clinical improvement and professional development. When evaluating any course, consider whether it:
- Clearly defines learning objectives that are relevant to real-world clinical practice
- Is grounded in current evidence, guidelines, and best practices
- Addresses challenges commonly encountered in your specialty or practice setting
- Is taught by qualified faculty with practical, hands-on expertise
- Uses effective instructional formats, such as case-based learning, interactive tools, or applied scenarios
- Includes assessment methods, such as quizzes or self-reflection tools, to reinforce learning
- Provides references, guidelines, or additional resources for continued study
Balancing Your Educational Portfolio: Credits and Skills
When planning your education for the year, it is generally best to prioritize accredited CME activities that fulfill required licensure, credentialing, and certification obligations. Completing required credits early can reduce stress and ensure ongoing compliance with professional standards.
Once these requirements are met, non-accredited or commercial courses can be strategically selected to address specific skill gaps or professional goals. Advanced procedural training, leadership development, quality improvement education, or business and administrative courses may enhance your effectiveness and career progression, even if they do not provide formal CME credit. These activities can often be documented as part of your broader professional development record.
Cost, Convenience, and Return on Investment
The cost of accredited CME varies based on format, duration, and provider. When comparing options, it is helpful to consider total cost, including registration fees, travel expenses, time away from clinical duties, and opportunity cost. Online CME options can offer flexibility and cost efficiency by allowing physicians to earn credits without travel or extended time away from practice.
Commercial and non-accredited courses may require a higher upfront investment but can still offer strong value if they deliver practice-changing skills or specialized training not readily available through accredited activities. Physicians may also wish to explore institutional support, such as employer-provided CME allowances or professional development funding, to offset costs.
A Practical Decision Framework
A structured approach can help maximize the value of your CME investment. Start by reviewing your licensure, credentialing, and certification requirements, along with your short- and long-term professional goals. Identify gaps in knowledge or skills that have the greatest impact on your practice, then evaluate potential activities based on accreditation status, educational quality, relevance, and cost.
When time or budget is limited, consider which option best aligns with your immediate needs—whether that is an accredited activity that fulfills required credits or a focused educational program that builds practical skills. By intentionally balancing accredited CME with targeted non-accredited learning, physicians can create an education plan that supports compliance, clinical excellence, and ongoing professional growth. With Oakstone’s online CME resources, you can build a plan that balances credits, skills and long-term career goals with activities that offer AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™ for your required credits.